New product at First Choice Flooring combines richness of hardwood with simplicity of laminate BY JACKIE KRIPKI
T
he richness of hardwood, the simplicity of laminate and the low maintenance of linoleum all rolled into one: that’s how Mike Lee of First Choice Flooring in Saskatoon describes the newest product in his showroom. “It’s the best of all worlds, together in one product.” The product is Luxe Plank™, a high-end vinyl-plank flooring created by Armstrong. It is the result of the flooring industry’s long quest to create an affordable and easy-to-install designer product. Luxe Plank™ is already making waves at First Choice Flooring. Lee says it’s changed the minds of many who’ve come to the store originally requesting hardwood. “The reality is that living with hardwood isn’t quite what it’s cracked up to be. You can’t wet-clean or mop it, so if you’ve got a busy household with kids
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spilling on the floor, hardwood is not practical.” Hardwood also requires humidity control, particularly in Saskatchewan. “So, unless you’re prepared to make an investment in a humidifier, de-humidifier or both...forget it. With Luxe Plank™, you get the rich, warm and inviting look of wood, with none of the hassle.”
The simplest flooring product ever Luxe Plank™ may truly be the simplest flooring product ever created for the doit-yourselfer. Each plank attaches to the plank beside it. You simply uncover the adhesive strip, align the plank, and push down. Or, as the manufacturer’s exclusive Lynx Technology describes it, you “peel, place, and press.” “It goes together basically like building blocks,” ex-
plains Lee. The only tools required are a straightedge and a good utility knife. “To make a cut, you just score the plank, then bend it. It will snap straight along the cut. Basically, if you can hold a utility knife, you can do it!” There are three grades to choose from— good, better, and best—and all three are surprisingly durable. Luxe Plank™ is PVC-based, and coated with extremely tough urethane. The highest grade, which boasts a top layer of aluminum oxide, even comes with a lifetime warranty for residential installation. “Nothing is indestructible, but this is as tough as most people need to go. Aside from stained concrete or porcelain tile, nothing is as durable. It’s tough stuff!” The product is a match for high-traffic areas, whether that happens to be your home foyer or a commercial building.